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Dr. Wendy (Xiaoxue) Sun completed her Ph.D. in the Comparative Literature and German Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 2022. Her academic journey has been defined by diverse interests and expertise, primarily centered around Asian-German Studies, Memory Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and World Literature and Translation Studies.

Before her Ph.D., Dr. Sun earned two Master’s degrees, one in Comparative Literature from Peking University and another in English Literature from Loyola Marymount University. Her foundational studies began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese Language and Literature, supplemented by a Certificate in Translation Studies.

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Sun has exemplified a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research, skillfully integrating the disciplines of History, Social Sciences, and Literary and Cultural Studies. Her unique approach has allowed her to bridge the fields of German Studies, Holocaust Studies, and China Studies, showcasing her dedication to exploring diverse and interconnected academic realms.

Currently, Dr. Sun is deeply engaged in two book projects that delve into critical research areas. The first project, titled “Stateless in Shanghai: Memory and Transnational Narratives of the Hongkou Jewish Ghetto,” examines the representation of the Holocaust in the context of Shanghai’s Jewish Exile during World War II, utilizing memory and social communication theory as vital frameworks. Her second book project, “Poppies and Memory: Darkness Spoken between Ingeborg Bachmann and Paul Celan,” delves into the representation of the Holocaust in the post-war world. The center of Sun's research interest lies in investigating the representation of the Holocaust through literature, cinema, and cultural institutions. This exploration raises pertinent questions regarding the portrayal of the Holocaust and its impact on collective memory.

Sun’s forthcoming publications include “Over the Sea: A Comparative Analysis of Chinese and Japanese Responses to German-speaking Jewish Refugees in Shanghai” and “Sex, Stateless, and Survival in Shanghai: Gendered Recollection from Rena Krasno and Liliane Willens.”

Sun’s academic pursuits extend beyond Holocaust Studies, and she actively engages with Critical Refugee Studies, Border Theories, World Literature, Translation, and Environmental Humanities. Through her extensive work, she continuously seeks to advance her understanding of complex historical and cultural intersections.

Courses Taught

First and Second Year German
Special Topic: Stateless in Shanghai: Jewish Exile in Shanghai
400-level Senior Seminar (In German)
300 level Seminars encompassing varied topics (in German)